The Rails Less Traveled

Here are four of the world's most scenic train trips.

by: Peter Greenberg, from: AARP The Magazine, May/June 2009 issue

NORWAY
Flåm Railway
13 miles

Descend from Myrdal to the fjords of Flåm and see waterfalls and farmhouses clinging to steep slopes (011-47-57-63-14-00; flaamsbana.no). For a longer trek, take the Norwegian State Railway through glacier-filled Hardanger-vidda National Park (011-47-815-00-888).

MEXICO
Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway
408 miles

Chug through 86 tunnels and over 37 bridges as you travel along the massive Copper Canyon (which is four times larger than the Grand Canyon). A good stopping point: the town of Divisadero, which has sweeping views of the canyon (011-52-614-439-7212; www.mexicoscoppercanyon.com/chepe.htm).

AUSTRALIA
The Indian Pacific
2,704 miles

This three-night journey covers the whole of Australia, from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, passing the Blue Mountains and historic mining towns. Another option: The Ghan line features views of the Outback's rusty-hued landscapes and endless cattle ranches (011-61-8-8213-4592; railaustralia.com.au).

UNITED STATES
The California Zephyr
2,438 miles

Traveling between Chicago and Emeryville, California, the Zephyr rolls across the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada, with views of the Mississippi River and Donner Lake. For a good midroute break, spend a night in the spa town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado (800-872-7245; amtrak.com).